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The Rearview Mirror: An Honest Look Back

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Lesson Plan

The Rearview Mirror: An Honest Look Back

Students will reflect honestly on their attendance, homework, and classroom habits to identify patterns in their academic performance.

This lesson empowers students to take ownership of their learning by understanding how their daily habits directly impact their academic success. Developing self-awareness and personal accountability are crucial life skills.

Audience

9th-12th Grade Students

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Guided self-assessment and reflective activities.

Materials

Rearview Mirror Slide Deck, and Habit Reflection Worksheet

Prep

Review Materials

5 minutes

Review the Rearview Mirror Slide Deck and Habit Reflection Worksheet to familiarize yourself with the content and flow. Ensure all links are functional and materials are ready for distribution.

Step 1

Opening Hook: The Look Back

3 minutes

  • Begin with the 'Opening Hook: The Look Back' slide (Slide 1) to set the reflective tone.
    - Ask students: "Imagine you're driving, and you glance in the rearview mirror. What do you see? Maybe where you've been, things you've passed. Today, we're going to use a 'rearview mirror' for our academic journey."

Step 2

Guided Self-Assessment

7 minutes

  • Transition to the 'Guided Self-Assessment' slides (Slides 2-5).
    - Distribute the Habit Reflection Worksheet.
    - Guide students through each section of the worksheet: attendance, homework, and classroom habits. Encourage them to be brutally honest with themselves, emphasizing that this is for their own growth, not for a grade.
    - Allow brief moments for students to jot down their thoughts for each section.

Step 3

Identifying Patterns

7 minutes

  • Move to the 'Identifying Patterns' slide (Slide 6).
    - Instruct students to review their completed Habit Reflection Worksheet.
    - Ask them to look for trends: "Are there specific days you miss more often? Do certain types of assignments get completed less frequently? Are there common distractions in class?"
    - Facilitate a brief, voluntary share-out, focusing on general observations rather than specific self-critiques. "What kind of patterns are you noticing? Without sharing personal details, can anyone describe a type of pattern they've identified?"

Step 4

One-Word Checkout

3 minutes

  • Conclude with the 'One-Word Checkout' slide (Slide 7).
    - Ask each student to share one word that describes how they feel after this reflection, or one word representing a goal they have moving forward.
    - Thank students for their honesty and participation.
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Slide Deck

The Rearview Mirror: An Honest Look Back

Where have you been? What have you passed? Let's reflect on your academic journey so far this year.

Welcome students and introduce the concept of using a 'rearview mirror' for self-reflection on their academic journey.

Guided Self-Assessment: Attendance

Take an honest look at your attendance:

  • How often have you been present and on time for each class?
  • What are the common reasons for any absences or tardiness?
  • How do you think your attendance impacts your learning?

Explain that self-assessment is key to growth. Distribute the 'Habit Reflection Worksheet' and instruct students to begin with the attendance section.

Guided Self-Assessment: Homework

Reflect on your homework habits:

  • How consistently do you complete and submit assignments?
  • What obstacles do you face when trying to complete homework?
  • How does homework completion (or lack thereof) affect your grades and understanding?

Transition to homework. Emphasize honesty and patterns, not individual assignments.

Guided Self-Assessment: Classroom Habits

Consider your classroom engagement:

  • How actively do you participate in discussions and activities?
  • What are your common behaviors during class (e.g., focused, distracted, quiet)?
  • How do your in-class habits contribute to or detract from your learning?

Discuss classroom habits. Encourage students to think about their engagement and participation.

Identifying Patterns: What Do You See?

Review your reflections and identify patterns:

  • Are there consistent themes in your attendance, homework, or class habits?
  • What trends emerge when you look at your overall academic behavior?
  • What might these patterns tell you about your learning style or challenges?

Guide students to look for overarching themes in their worksheet responses. Ask them to identify 2-3 significant patterns.

One-Word Checkout

Share one word that describes:

  • How you feel after this reflection OR
  • A goal you have for improving your academic habits.

Bring the lesson to a close by having students share a single word that captures their reflection or a goal.

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Worksheet

Habit Reflection Worksheet: The Rearview Mirror

Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________

Part 1: Attendance & Punctuality

Think about your attendance and punctuality across all your classes this school year. Be honest with yourself.

  1. On average, how often have you been present and on time for your classes?

    • Always
    • Most of the time
    • Sometimes
    • Rarely






  2. What are the main reasons for any absences or tardiness you've had?











  3. How do you think your attendance and punctuality impact your learning and grades?











Part 2: Homework Completion

Consider your approach to homework and assignments for all your courses.

  1. How consistently do you complete and submit your homework assignments on time?

    • Always
    • Most of the time
    • Sometimes
    • Rarely






  2. What obstacles or challenges do you typically face when trying to complete homework?











  3. How does your homework completion (or lack thereof) affect your understanding of the material and your overall grades?











Part 3: Classroom Habits

Reflect on your behavior and engagement during class time.

  1. How actively do you participate in class discussions, group work, and activities?

    • Always actively participate
    • Often participate
    • Sometimes participate
    • Rarely participate






  2. Describe your typical behaviors during class (e.g., focused, easily distracted, quiet, engaged, disruptive, etc.).











  3. How do your in-class habits help or hinder your learning process and the learning of others?











Part 4: Identifying Patterns

Look back at your answers from Parts 1, 2, and 3. What patterns or trends do you notice about your academic habits?

  1. List 2-3 significant patterns you observe (e.g.,
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The Rearview Mirror: An Honest Look Back • Lenny Learning